Panthers TE Hayden Hurst says post-traumatic amnesia isn't career ending

Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst said Thursday he doesn’t believe his career is in jeopardy after being diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia by an independent neurologist after suffering a concussion.

“I’m doing better each day,” Hurst told ESPN. “It’s not going to end my career, just being cautious as I come back. Should be another week or two.”

His father, Jerry, announced his diagnosis Wednesday on X.

“@haydenrhurst has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Amnesia by an independent neurologist as a result of the hit he took in Chicago November 9. Slow recovery, don’t know when he’ll be back. Prayers appreciated!” he wrote.

According to Headway, post-traumatic amnesia, or PTA, “is the time after a period of unconsciousness when the injured person is conscious and awake, but is behaving or talking in a bizarre or uncharacteristic manner.”

“The person has no continuous memory of day-to-day events, and recent events may be equally affected, so that they are unable to remember what happened a few hours or even a few minutes ago. To complicate the issue, PTA can sometimes occur without the person having been unconscious beforehand.”

Hayden Hurst making progress after suffering serious head injury

Hurst, 30, has appeared in nine games (eight starts) in his first season with the Panthers. He’s hauled in 18 receptions for 184 yards and a touchdown. Hurst hasn’t appeared in a game since suffering the injury in the 16-13 Week 10 defeat to the Chicago Bears (4-8). He returned to practice Wednesday and was listed as a limited participant. He remains, however, in concussion protocol.

Hurst took to X to express his thanks for the support he’s received since being diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia.

“I appreciate everyone reaching out & checking on me,” Hurst wrote. “I suffered a pretty nasty concussion against the Bears a few weeks ago & don’t remember up to 4 hours after the game. Scary situation but the Panthers have been incredible walking me through this process.”

He added in a follow-up post: “While it was scary, it is NOT career ending. I’m starting my return to play this week, so fingers crossed I make it back for the last few weeks! God Bless & Keep Pounding !!!!”